At one point in the story, Rosalia learns how to make a corn husk doll. Here is a photo of the one I made in a workshop at Ardenwood farm in Fremont, California. I was working as a docent at that time. I led groups of visitors through the 1890’s heritage farmhouse after training to present the history and details of the house. One day I heard about a workshop that was being held on the premises, by the barn. I took the workshop and made this doll, step-by-step. Homemade dolls of this sort in the 19th century were common. I loved making it and kept it as a souvenir of my time spent there. I also wove it into the story as part of the authentic lifestyle.
